After Tulips Bloom, Rockhurst University Puts Bulbs Up For Taking

Rockhurst University planted 33,000 tulips as part of the Tulips on Troost program this year. Now that the blankets of flowers are finished blooming, the university is giving the tulip bulbs away.

Horticultural experts at Family Tree Nursery say there is a good chance recycled bulbs won't bloom again next year. But the bulbs will have the greatest chance of re-flowering if they're kept in a brown bag in a cool place, like a refrigerator, until the fall. Tulips shouldn't be planted until the first part of November, when the ground is good and cold, experts say.

Alicia Douglas, director of community relations and outreach for Rockhurst, says the bulbs will be available to agencies, businesses and residences along Troost Avenue or neighboring communities from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through May 1, in the parking lot of the Rockhurst University Community Center.

Anyone wanting bulbs should bring their own box or bag.

This look at Kansas City's Troost corridor is part of KCUR's months-long examination of how geographic borders affect our daily lives in Kansas City. KCUR will goBeyond Our Bordersand spark a community conversation through social outreach and innovative journalism.

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"We need to figure out the color of our T-Shirts,” says Rae Peterson, the de facto group leader. The T-shirt will bear an image donated by local artist D.J. Burton.